Virtually Vocal

I chose to browse Reddit for an argument. In the Subreddit r/news, a post (Link Here)   was linked to a Reuters article concerning Elon Musk’s alleged involvement with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and influence on governmental decisions. In the comment section of this post , Redditors discuss Musk’s role, government actions, and the broader political implications of his White House presence. However, the debate contained elements that hindered the arguments’ effectiveness. One of the most concerning elements of this online argument is the prevalence of personal attacks and name-calling. Many users resort to derogatory terms rather than engaging in rational debate, such as referring to Musk as “Elmo” or making hostile statements like “Sack him in front of his kid. Who the F cares...” These types of attacks create a toxic environment that discourages meaningful exchange, undermining the legitimacy of the discussion (Campbell et al., 2014).   Another si...

  Hey Y'all, Green Thumb Industries (GTI) , a leading cannabis company, strategically uses its website and social media platforms to build its brand identity. Green Thumb Industries does an excellent job of communicating on its website and social media platforms. The website employs consistent branding with earthy tones and professional language, aligning with the industry’s need for formality due to cannabis’s stigmatized history. For example, GTI’s LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter) posts utilize formal, informative language to discuss their operations and values. These efforts are a tool for influencing attitudes and beliefs, reflecting a deliberate rhetorical strategy designed to foster trust and legitimacy (Campbell et al., 2014). ​             The GTI website is thoughtfully organized to capture attention, provide key information, and maintain user engagement. At the top of the homepage, a captivating video showcases t...

  Hey Y’all, I listened to Mike Duncan’s The History of Rome , specifically the episode “ Provincial Matters .” As someone who has always enjoyed exploring history, I was excited to dive into this episode to see how Duncan communicates such detailed subject matter.    Listening to it, I could see how his delivery style perfectly aligns with his audience: history enthusiasts, educators, and anyone who appreciates in-depth storytelling.Duncan’s calm and steady delivery stood out right away. His measured tone and deliberate pacing create a sense of clarity and ease, essential for unpacking complex topics like the administration of Roman provinces. For instance, when discussing Augustus’s reforms, Duncan’s thoughtful pauses gave listeners time to process the information. His consistent pitch and moderate volume further contributed to this feeling of accessibility, making the material feel less intimidating. This style reflects Duncan’s understanding of his audience and al...